Community News: South

SOUTH-CENTRAL : College Helps Fund Service Programs

For the third consecutive year, South-Central-based Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion has contributed $25,000 to nonprofit educational and community service programs in the area.

Third-time recipients Hoover Intergenerational Center and the United Neighborhood Council, as well as Hope in Youth, Girls Inc., Central Recovery and Development Ministry and the National Conference of Christians and Jews benefited from the college's gifts.

Levi Kingston, founder and director of the 17-year-old Hoover center, said its $5,000 gift will be used on property upkeep.

"It's important that we maintain our building because we deal with children," Kingston said.

The center, at 3216 S. Hoover Ave., employs senior citizens to care for about 40 preschool and elementary school children of low- and moderate-income families.

Based on comments from residents, the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission and Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas' office, Hebrew Union College grants monetary awards to organizations that are leaders in providing child care, after-school programs and supplementary education programs, said Rabbi Lee Bycel, dean of the college.

"The money is a symbol of the support that we want to give the agencies and programs that are trying to strengthen and promote a more livable community," Bycel said.

Girls Inc., which offers educational and recreational activities for young girls, will use its grant money to cover field trip costs and to buy new books and furniture for its facilities at 9004 S. Normandie Ave.

"We have chairs that are falling apart," said Vickie Hamilton, assistant program director. "We are furnishing the center with new tables and chairs."

Located near USC, Hebrew Union College is an academic arm of the Reform Jewish movement and trains rabbis. Founded in 1875, the college is the oldest institution of higher Jewish learning in North America. Seventy-five students are enrolled in the college, which offers programs in Jewish education, and undergraduate and graduate Judaic studies.

The college established a community relief fund in 1992 with contributions from students, faculty, staff and board of directors, and a grant from the Skirball Foundation.